John Roberson

John Roberson is the CEO and “Chief Cheerleader” of Advent, a Nashville-based firm that has partnered with some of the nation’s largest brands in professional and college athletics, academia and more. As a keynote speaker with industry leaders at national conferences, Roberson delves into his passions of brand marketing, audience insight and the power of experiences.

Advent creates experiences that move people. The firm applies design thinking to solve audience engagement challenges using a creative team of consultants, designers, marketers, engineers, digital experts and builders. Advent delivers immersive, interactive experiences for professional sports organizations, college athletic and academic clients, and corporate partners.

Under Roberson’s leadership, Advent has completed more than 2,200 projects, including Stanford University’s Home of Champions, the Dallas Cowboys’ 91-acre world headquarters, the Nebraska College of Business, the LA Entertainment District and Stadium Premiere Center, the University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame and Belmont University’s Gallery of Iconic Guitars.

He graduated from Lipscomb University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and minors in English and Art. John earned his MBA from Vanderbilt University with a concentration in Marketing and Service Quality. He worked in consumer products, database marketing and home shopping television before he and his family purchased Advent in 1999. Over more than 20 years, he grew Advent from one part-time and one full-time employee to an award-winning team of almost 50 people who create experiences that move people.